Here I was supporting Mayor Begich on his statements regarding gangs in Anchorage and she informed me that it was 1997 and there were no shootings?

The point was, Doogan didn't agree with Begich on starting a gang task force unit. And a candidate needs to have a vision or have the experience to see problems and look for solutions to them so that the problems do not get bigger.

The term "head in the sand" comes to mind.

FLYING FACTOID

Unfortuntely, those pesky Earmites at the Alaska State PTA and the NEA/AEA back in 1998 were concerned about gang activity in schools and its escalation. But Alors darlings, that lovable and witty Mike Doogan thought otherwise. Gang problem? What gang problem.

ANCHORAGE MUNICIPAL CHARTER CODE AND REGULATIONS Municipality of ANCHORAGE, ALASKA Supplement No. MA 3 (All ordinances and resolutions passed and approved through December 31, 1997.)TITLE 8 PENAL CODEChapter 8.05 CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS AND PROPERTIES8.05.375. Graffiti and related vandalismA. Purpose and intent. It is the purpose and intent of this section to prevent graffiti and to promote its eradication, and to prevent related vandalism, as graffiti and related vandalism adversely affects property, both public and private. It is the further intent of this section to fight against blight, to preserve the value of property, both public and private, and to promote the security of the community, all of which are threatened by graffiti and graffiti-related vandalism.B. Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply:1. Aerosol paint container means any canister, can, bottle, container or other receptacle which contains any substance commonly known as paint, stain, dye or other pigmented substance which is or can be modified to contain pressure, or be pressurized, in order to impel or propel any such substance.2. Graffiti means any inscription, symbol, design or configuration of letters or numbers written, drawn, etched, marked, painted, stained, stuck on or adhered to any surface on public or private property without the express permission of the owner of such property, including but not limited to trees, signs, poles, fixtures, utility boxes, walls, paths, walks, streets, underpasses, overpasses, bridges, trestles, buildings or any other structures or surfaces.3. Graffiti implement means any implement capable of marking a surface to create graffiti, including but not limited to aerosol paint containers, markers and gum labels.4. Gum label means any material such as, but not limited to, decals, stickers, posters or labels which contain a substance commonly known as adhesive or glue, which cannot be removed from the surface in an intact condition and with minimal efforts.5. Marker means any indelible or permanent marker, or similar implement containing an ink that is not water soluble.C. Prohibition of graffiti. It shall be unlawful for any person to commit any overt act resulting in or attempting to result in application of graffiti on any surface on public or private property without the express permission of the owner of such property, including but not limited to trees, signs, poles, fixtures, utility boxes, walls, paths, walks, streets, underpasses, overpasses, bridges, trestles, buildings or any other structures or surfaces.D. Possession of graffiti implements. It shall be unlawful for any person to possess any graffiti implement while on public or private property without the express consent of the owner of such property, in a manner that warrants a justifiable and reasonable alarm or immediate concern for the safety of property in the vicinity. Among the circumstances which may be considered by the enforcement officer in determining whether such alarm or immediate concern is warranted, is the fact that the person takes flight upon appearance of an enforcement officer, refuses to identify himself, or manifestly endeavors to conceal himself or the graffiti implement. Prior to any citation being issued to a person for a violation of this subsection, such person shall be afforded an opportunity by the enforcement officer to dispel any alarm or immediate concern which could otherwise be warranted by requesting such person to identify himself and explain his presence and conduct.E. Parental civil liability. Any act in violation of subsection C or D of this section committed by a minor under the age of 18 years shall be imputed to that minor’s parent or legal guardian. A parent or legal guardian of a minor who violates subsection C or D of this section shall be liable for the payment of any civil fine and the expense of restoration as set forth in subsection F of this section.F. Penalty. Any person who commits a violation of subsection C of this section, or, in the case of a violator under 18 years of age, the parent or legal guardian, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500.00 for a first offense, and of not more than $1,000.00 for a second or subsequent offense. In addition to such punishment, the violator, or the minor’s parent or legal guardian, shall also be responsible for repaying the cost of restoration to the property owner, pursuant to subsection G of this section, for such completed restoration. Any person who commits a violation of subsection D of this section, or, in the case of a violator under 18 years of age, the parent or legal guardian, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $100.00 for each offense.G. Civil remedies. As an alternative to other penalty provisions of this section, any person who violates any provision of this section shall be subject to and shall pay to the municipality civil penalties equivalent to and on the same basis as the monetary penalties provided for in subsection F of this section. Any person, including the municipality, may seek appropriate injunctive relief for the enforcement of this section, its penalties and remedial provisions, including but not limited to actions for abatement, prevention of violations, and enforcement of all remedial and preventive provisions of this section as may be appropriate. The monetary civil penalties provided for in this subsection may also be enforced as civil fines by the administrative hearings officer under title 14.H. Graffiti removal. A person, and, in the case of a minor, the parent or legal guardian, violating this section shall, in addition to all other penalties provided for in this section, remove or cause removal of the graffiti at their sole expense and at the direction and under the supervision of the property owner. If the person, including a minor and the minor’s parent or legal guardian, fails to remove the graffiti, the property owner may cause the graffiti to be removed and charge the person responsible for doing so for the removal expenses incurred, to include suing in a court of competent jurisdiction to recover such expenses. Graffiti on any public or private property visible from any public right-of-way, including but not limited to any street, highway, road, alley or walkway, is declared a public nuisance. The municipality shall give notice to the property owner requesting the owner to remove or cause to be removed such graffiti.I. Anti-graffiti trust fund. There is hereby created the municipal anti-graffiti trust fund. All civil fines paid by violators of this section and ultimately received by the municipality shall be placed in the fund. The fund may also receive monetary donations from citizens, businesses and other organizations. The mayor, or his designee, shall direct the expenditure of monies in the fund. Such expenditures shall be limited to the payment of rewards under subsection J of this section and restoration costs.J. Reward for providing information. Any person who shall provide information which leads to the actual payment of a fine by a violator of subsection C of this section, is entitled to receive from the municipality a monetary reward of up to $500.00. The mayor, or his designee, shall determine the actual amount of reward and whether a particular reward shall be divided among persons based on the information provided and the number of persons providing the information. In no event shall the total reward relating to a particular violation exceed $500.00.K. Mandatory juvenile community service. Any minor (under the age of 18) violating this section shall perform community service, including graffiti removal service, of not less than 20 hours and not more than 100 hours, in addition to all other fines, penalties and restoration work. At least one parent or legal guardian shall be present at the community service site for at least one-half of the community service hours required of the minor. (AO No. 94-134(S), § 1, 9-8-94)14.60.030. Fine scheduleCode Section Offense8.05.375.G Graffiti:First offense: $500.00Second and subsequent offenses: $1,000.00